He yawns and fusses a little in my lap, signaling his fatigue. This is the moment I've been waiting for. I begin the dance. Up and down, back and forth, until his little head nods to my rhythm and his eyelids droop. I settle him into the chair, turning on the vibration and gently bouncing it until his eyes close for good.
He sleeps.
I start the water running. Hot. As hot as I can stand it.
I shed my stained clothes and step over the barrier, my skin crawling with a mixture of chill and anticipation. I immerse myself in the magnificent spray, letting it massage my scalp and drip down my back. I shiver in its deliciousness.
I luxuriate under the building steam, slowly massaging the lather into my skin and hair. I watch the suds slide down the drain, taking with them the smells of sour milk and unwashed hair. Rinsing away the sleeplessness of the previous night.
Do I have time to shave my legs?
I gently ease back the curtain and take a peek. Still sleeping.
I scrub and scrub, secretly hoping to annihilate the line of pigment that curves its way down my abdomen, and the one curiously lonely stretch mark I acquired during my first pregnancy.
Soon, too soon, it will be time to get out. I will emerge, renewed, in a billow of steam just as the first little whimpers start. I will quickly dry my hair and throw on my fluffy robe in time to scoop him up and drink in his special Mama smile, bright eyes, and new baby smell.
I am at once relaxed and revitalized. A fresh start.
Showing posts with label newborns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newborns. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Moments.
I've started, deleted, and re-started this post about a billion times over the past month, but time and energy to put towards blogging, let alone processing my feelings, have been in short supply.
Things are getting better now, but we have been struggling. Not with the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn, not with the growth spurts and 'round the clock feedings, the raw diaper rash, nor the gassiness of the tiny one, though I'm sure those exacerbate the situation somewhat.
No, we are dealing with the aftermath of having turned Lilah's little world upside down. First, we got pregnant and Mommy's energy levels and ability to be physical with her changed. Then we moved and sold and renovated. That was stressful on all of us. And then, just when things were getting back to some semblance of normalcy, we brought home a new baby and Lilah switched daycares. Cue dramatic disaster music. The perfect storm.
Behaviours surfaced that we have never seen from our sweet girl before. Hitting, kicking, biting, you name it, we've had it. The one saving grace is that she is taking it out on her parents, the ones who created all this change, and not on her baby brother. Fair enough.
And on top of it all, she's so very, very three.
All of this makes for a unique combination of frustration and guilt. It's been tough. But all we can do is weather the storm, try not to lose it too often, and know that it gets easier. It has to.
Admist all of this, though, there have been moments.
Joyful moments,
Endearing moments,
Sweet moments,
And, best of all, bonding moments.
These are the moments I hope will stick; the moments I want to bind to our history as a family and become part of our collective memory. To paraphrase my friend Jen: String together enough happy moments, and you end up with a happy life.
Things are getting better now, but we have been struggling. Not with the sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn, not with the growth spurts and 'round the clock feedings, the raw diaper rash, nor the gassiness of the tiny one, though I'm sure those exacerbate the situation somewhat.
No, we are dealing with the aftermath of having turned Lilah's little world upside down. First, we got pregnant and Mommy's energy levels and ability to be physical with her changed. Then we moved and sold and renovated. That was stressful on all of us. And then, just when things were getting back to some semblance of normalcy, we brought home a new baby and Lilah switched daycares. Cue dramatic disaster music. The perfect storm.
Behaviours surfaced that we have never seen from our sweet girl before. Hitting, kicking, biting, you name it, we've had it. The one saving grace is that she is taking it out on her parents, the ones who created all this change, and not on her baby brother. Fair enough.
And on top of it all, she's so very, very three.
All of this makes for a unique combination of frustration and guilt. It's been tough. But all we can do is weather the storm, try not to lose it too often, and know that it gets easier. It has to.
Admist all of this, though, there have been moments.
Joyful moments,
Endearing moments,
Carefree moments,
Sweet moments,
 |
| Celebrating my 33rd birthday at the end of August. |
These are the moments I hope will stick; the moments I want to bind to our history as a family and become part of our collective memory. To paraphrase my friend Jen: String together enough happy moments, and you end up with a happy life.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Henry James: A Birth Story
It's been 2 weeks since the labour and delivery that brought us our beautiful, chubby, snuggly chunk of baby on the morning of August 14th. About time that I tell his birth story.
At almost a week overdue, I was starting to lose my sanity. I was drinking copious quantities of raspberry leaf tea and doing squats and lunges in front of the TV with no results, so I decided to step things up a bit. Our doula, who is also a registered acupuncturist, had been doing some preparatory acupuncture, and at this point, she agreed it was time to get serious. So at six days overdue, I had induction acupuncture and was told to stay active that day. I headed to the gym for some elliptical action and barely sat down all day. I also saw my doc and had a membrane sweep. I was fairly confident that all of these efforts, combined, would soon bring me my baby boy.
Sure enough, at 2:30 am, I woke up with mild contractions and a sense of anticipation and crossed my fingers that it wasn't all in my head. By 3:30 I was sure, and woke up the Hubs, who started timing. By 6:30, Lilah's grandparents had arrived to feed her breakfast and take her to daycare, and our doula walked in the door around the same time. By 7:30, my contractions were about three minutes apart and were lasting about a minute. It was time to head to the hospital.
The car ride to the hospital seemed to take forever, and I remember hitting a few bumps in the road while I was mid-contraction. So painful. We made it to the hospital and checked in around 8. Apparently, it was a very busy Tuesday morning, and I lucked out and got the very last room. The woman who delivered her baby half an hour after me had to do it in an assessment room with only a curtain separating her from the rest of the room. Word to the wise: don't be afraid to moan and groan your way through contractions while checking in at the hospital. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. I was ushered directly into that last delivery room based on the noises coming from deep within me.
Luck was definitely on our side this time. Things just went so... smoothly. Doors opened for us, elevators were ready and waiting, and things lined up just the way they were supposed to. Such a different experience from the one I had with Lilah.
This time, I got my natural, unmedicated, uncomplicated labour and delivery and the whole thing took just seven hours from start to finish. Henry was born at 9:30 am, just an hour and a half after we arrived at the hospital, and the whole affair was just so beautiful and messy and uninhibited. As a naturally reserved person, I surprised myself, and if I hadn't been in the midst of it; if I had been just a bystander walking down the hallway of the maternity wing around 9 that morning, I would have thought to myself, "Who's the screamer in room 15?" The only word to describe it is primal. And for me, that was perfect. Just like the beautiful baby boy who was deposited into my arms at the end of it all.
Big sister Lilah thinks he's pretty great too:
At almost a week overdue, I was starting to lose my sanity. I was drinking copious quantities of raspberry leaf tea and doing squats and lunges in front of the TV with no results, so I decided to step things up a bit. Our doula, who is also a registered acupuncturist, had been doing some preparatory acupuncture, and at this point, she agreed it was time to get serious. So at six days overdue, I had induction acupuncture and was told to stay active that day. I headed to the gym for some elliptical action and barely sat down all day. I also saw my doc and had a membrane sweep. I was fairly confident that all of these efforts, combined, would soon bring me my baby boy.
Sure enough, at 2:30 am, I woke up with mild contractions and a sense of anticipation and crossed my fingers that it wasn't all in my head. By 3:30 I was sure, and woke up the Hubs, who started timing. By 6:30, Lilah's grandparents had arrived to feed her breakfast and take her to daycare, and our doula walked in the door around the same time. By 7:30, my contractions were about three minutes apart and were lasting about a minute. It was time to head to the hospital.
The car ride to the hospital seemed to take forever, and I remember hitting a few bumps in the road while I was mid-contraction. So painful. We made it to the hospital and checked in around 8. Apparently, it was a very busy Tuesday morning, and I lucked out and got the very last room. The woman who delivered her baby half an hour after me had to do it in an assessment room with only a curtain separating her from the rest of the room. Word to the wise: don't be afraid to moan and groan your way through contractions while checking in at the hospital. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. I was ushered directly into that last delivery room based on the noises coming from deep within me.
Luck was definitely on our side this time. Things just went so... smoothly. Doors opened for us, elevators were ready and waiting, and things lined up just the way they were supposed to. Such a different experience from the one I had with Lilah.
This time, I got my natural, unmedicated, uncomplicated labour and delivery and the whole thing took just seven hours from start to finish. Henry was born at 9:30 am, just an hour and a half after we arrived at the hospital, and the whole affair was just so beautiful and messy and uninhibited. As a naturally reserved person, I surprised myself, and if I hadn't been in the midst of it; if I had been just a bystander walking down the hallway of the maternity wing around 9 that morning, I would have thought to myself, "Who's the screamer in room 15?" The only word to describe it is primal. And for me, that was perfect. Just like the beautiful baby boy who was deposited into my arms at the end of it all.
 |
| Perfection in a tiny package. |
 |
| That's 9lbs, 7.7 oz, by the way! |
Big sister Lilah thinks he's pretty great too:
Saturday, August 25, 2012
3 Moments.
11 Days ago this happened:
3 years, one month, 22 days ago this happened:
And exactly 5 years ago this happened:
The 3 best moments of my life.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Guest Post: Motherhood, Take 2
Another one of my fave Vancouver mommy bloggers is stopping by to give me a hand with this whole bringing home another baby thing. Bruna of Bees With Honey gets it - she's done it more than once and now has three beautiful girls and a happy household to show for it. Here's her best advice for a second run at motherhood:
Motherhood, Take 2
When all is said and done and people give you their advice on parenting multiple children, what matters most in the end is what is in your heart. Follow your motherly instincts and rely on your experience. No one knows your children better than you and don’t you forget that!
Thank you so much for sharing your tips, Bruna. They are both thoughtful and practical, and I really appreciate the support and advice from mamas like you who have gone before.
So we know she gives great advice, but also? What a beautiful family this lucky lady has! You can read more about their adventures and Bruna's thoughts on motherhood here.
Motherhood, Take 2
Out-numbered
When you have Baby #1, it’s immediately out-numbered. There are two parents to one child. Although your life is forever changed by having ababy, you’re able to tag team with husband to do the things you need to do like take a nap, clean house a bit or have a shower. There is always one of you free to look out for baby. When baby #2 comes along, it’s one parent for each child. The tag teaming becomes much more challenging with a little person and a baby demanding your undivided attention. It’s amazing how quickly hubby and you will find a way to creatively balance caring for two while still trying to fulfill your own personal needs and wants at the same time. Be a good team together and you’ll go places!Every baby is different
The things that worked with your first child may have to be chucked out the window with your second. No two babies are the same and if you luck out and have a really docile baby #2, consider yourself lucky. Baby and parenting books provide many bits ofadvice. What may have worked with baby #1 may not work for baby #2. Don’t let it make you doubt your mothering expertise. You will find a way to please #2 by simple trial and error like you did with baby #1. Having babies who end up being so very different from each other adds spice to mothering. Celebrate your babies’ differences! Don’t let it get you down.No More Napping when Baby Naps
With one baby, you can still nap when it naps. Once baby #2 shows up, afternoon napping becomes a figment of your imagination only. If ever you manage to get both kids napping at the same time, you’ll feel as if you’ve won a lottery. The chances it happens are one in a million.Keeping Up with Household Chores
Once you begin caring for two little ones, keeping up with household chores becomes very challenging to say the least. Don’t let your inability to do it all make you feel incompetent. No one can do it all. Don’t try to be superwoman and overexert yourself to keep an immaculate abode. It’s not worth it. Your house will always need to be cleaned but your children will only be little for a short while. Enjoy every moment you have with them.Giving Each Child an Equal Amount of Attention
Child #1 may or may not go through an adjustment period once baby #2 comes home. Having been the centre of attention and the apple of mommy’s eye for so long, she may find it difficult to share parental attention with her new baby brother – at first – or she may not. You won’t know until it happens. Invite child #1 to take on a helping role in caring for baby #2. Emphasize the importance of being a big sister and celebrate her new role in the family. Try your best to set aside some time for child #1 and you to do something special without baby even if it’s only reading a book or colouring or playing a short game. Child #1 will appreciate any amount of un-divided attention she gets from either parent. Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty if you can’t give your first the same amount of attention as you once did. Lilah will eventually get used to the new family way and then feel as if she didn’t know any better.Time with your Spouse
You’ll be tired. You’ll be grumpy. You’ll lack sleep. As hard as it feels at first, you’ll eventually get used to it. Find ways to still spend time with your hubby once you both settle in to a groove with the new family circle. He may or may not feel somewhat invisible to you once baby #2 shows up and you both become busier. Take advantage of willing babysitters and try to get out for short bouts of time if only to talk over a cup of coffee. Keep those communication lines open and honest.It’s the Simple Things that Will Matter the Most
As with becoming a mother for the first time, you’ll find becoming a mother all over again will make you appreciate even more the little things in life. Things like hubby letting you sleep in, having a shower,getting out of the house and having adult conversation end up being wonderful treats once you’re a busy mama of two. Although you’ll be busier and have less time for yourself, you’ll cherish every moment you have with your little ones while they’re little because you know just how fast they grow up. The sacrifice is well worth the reward.When all is said and done and people give you their advice on parenting multiple children, what matters most in the end is what is in your heart. Follow your motherly instincts and rely on your experience. No one knows your children better than you and don’t you forget that!
Thank you so much for sharing your tips, Bruna. They are both thoughtful and practical, and I really appreciate the support and advice from mamas like you who have gone before.
So we know she gives great advice, but also? What a beautiful family this lucky lady has! You can read more about their adventures and Bruna's thoughts on motherhood here.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Ten Things I'd Forgotten About Having a New Baby
I'm breaking the rules for this weeks Listicle. I am completely consumed by this tiny new being and this new way of life that he brings with him. And I hope the List Master will forgive me for saying this, but in my opinion, new baby smell trumps new car smell any day!
1. How little sleep you actually get, and what sleep deprivation can do to your brain.
2. That smell of absolute deliciousness. Even before they've had their first bath.
3. Fluid retention and cankles.
4. That I may want to throttle the Hubs when he asks if this is the first time the baby has woken to feed, when in fact it is the fourth. But that all will be forgiven the moment he hands me a icy cold glass of water while I'm nursing, makes me a sandwich, or takes the baby from me at 4 am when my poor boobs just can't take any more and I need half an hour of sleep.
5. That "sleep when the baby sleeps" isn't always possible. There are other things to be done, like eating, showering, laundry, and this time around, there's also a big kid to look after.
6. The hormone dip that occurs around day 3 after baby is born and reduces you to tears over the fact that the one pair of pants that fits you right now is in desperate need of a wash.
7. That there is nothing as rejuvenating as 10 minutes to yourself to shower.
8. Planting kisses on tiny hands and feet.
9. How long it takes for the belly to recede, and how pregnant you still look even a week after your tenant has vacated.
10. That friends and family are absolutely amazing. There have already been so many gifts and offers of food and play dates for Lilah. And our fridge has never been so stocked! It reminds me how fortunate we are and makes me want to be a better friend/neighbour/relative when it's our turn to give back.
Ten Things I'd Forgotten About Having a New Baby
1. How little sleep you actually get, and what sleep deprivation can do to your brain.
2. That smell of absolute deliciousness. Even before they've had their first bath.
3. Fluid retention and cankles.
4. That I may want to throttle the Hubs when he asks if this is the first time the baby has woken to feed, when in fact it is the fourth. But that all will be forgiven the moment he hands me a icy cold glass of water while I'm nursing, makes me a sandwich, or takes the baby from me at 4 am when my poor boobs just can't take any more and I need half an hour of sleep.
5. That "sleep when the baby sleeps" isn't always possible. There are other things to be done, like eating, showering, laundry, and this time around, there's also a big kid to look after.
6. The hormone dip that occurs around day 3 after baby is born and reduces you to tears over the fact that the one pair of pants that fits you right now is in desperate need of a wash.
7. That there is nothing as rejuvenating as 10 minutes to yourself to shower.
8. Planting kisses on tiny hands and feet.
 |
| (Yes, those are flowers and butterflies on his bassinet sheets. Second child syndrome.) |
9. How long it takes for the belly to recede, and how pregnant you still look even a week after your tenant has vacated.
10. That friends and family are absolutely amazing. There have already been so many gifts and offers of food and play dates for Lilah. And our fridge has never been so stocked! It reminds me how fortunate we are and makes me want to be a better friend/neighbour/relative when it's our turn to give back.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Guest Post: Tips on Two
Today I have the honour of hosting Andrea of Mama in the City. She writes one of my favourite Vancouver mommy blogs, and I have always felt that we had quite a bit in common. I have enjoyed following her transition from mama of one through her second pregnancy and now watching her blossom as a mama of two: her adorable preschooler, Benjamin, and a six-month-old bundle of deliciousness named Josie. Not only has she been there, done that as a mom, she is also a labour & delivery nurse. So I figured who better to ask for advice on making the transition from one child to two? Here's what she shared:
I have been the mom through two newborns so far and I've definitely enjoyed the ease of baby number 2. I don't know how many times I was warned by people that the second baby was so much more of an adjustment than the first. In my experience these people were fortunatley wrong and bringing the second baby into our family went much smoother than the first. I can even say that I enjoyed the newborn stage so much more the second time around. Maybe because I really understood how fast it would tick by.
Sure there were frazzled moments where I dripped milk all over the place and held a red crying baby. Since I had already been through these kinds of baby experiences before I knew that all hard moments have a time limit and eventually pass. Now my newborn is 6 months old and I'm in the full swing of things as a mother to two.
Soon our dear Amanda will be welcoming her baby boy and Lilah will be an older sister; I've got a few tricks for her so she can stay on top of the transition of adding a new tiny family member.
Stock up on some basics like toilet paper and paper towels now. Having a few extras in the house will help you out immensely once that new baby boy moves in! If you have any special occasions happening in the first month you bring baby home, go and get those pressies and cards now. Stash them away and your future self will thank your tired new mama self in a big way.
If you can find the time, get your hair done. In fact, do all that personal self care while your bump is still burgeoning. Not only will you feel good, you will also look awesome in all of the photos of your birth. A win win situation for you.
Don't spend too much time getting anxious or losing sleep over preparing for the baby. Newborns do not actually need much; if you've got milk on tap you are golden. Having your partner run out for diapers is no big deal and most newborn essentials can really be found in your home. Plus there is the chance for on line shopping during those midnight feeds.
When we were bringing Josie home from the hospital we were able to arrange an extra day at day care for our son. For a short time it was just the new baby in our apartment and that moment felt relaxed and not rushed or stressful. We also chose to keep him in day care twice a week even though I was on maternity leave. I can't express how helpful this was for me and I'm so grateful that we were able to do this. It gave me time where I could just focus on discovering the new baby. We did our healthy baby visits during those daycare days and had friends over to meet the baby. In the early weeks it gave me a chance to actually sleep when the baby slept.
If people offer to bring you food always say yes. However, don't feel obliged to say yes to every visitor in the first weeks at home with your baby. I found by 4 weeks I was able to easily have a friend pop over without it being a huge deal.
Any family member or friend that offers to take Lilah out of the house will hold a special place in your heart. I had some really nice moments in the first few weeks at home with just the new baby because of this. My girlfriends had him over for play dates, off for swimming adventures, and even just some nearby playground fun. It felt so good to know he was having some special attention while I nursed and snuggled with the baby in my bed. It's not too early to book those playmates now.
Now for me to put my nurses hat on! Don't rush your post partum recovery, instead relish the sweet fleeting newborn days. If there is ever a time to truly slow down and rest and recover, it is after you have a baby. Don't feel the pressure to put on your 'pre baby' jeans and head out on a bunch of errands. Allow yourself the time to lounge in soft stretchy clothing and lay in bed feeding your baby. Your body has gone through the amazing feat of growing a baby, birthing a baby and deserves a chance to recover guilt free.
If you didn't learn to breastfeed in a side laying position with your first, try to do it this time around. This position gives you the chance to rest and is more relaxing over all. For the most part, most repeat new mothers tell me that breastfeeding is much easier with each subsequent baby and I found this to be true with myself.
I'm so excited to hear about Amanda's journey of welcoming her second baby. Do you have any other tips for her on becoming a mother of 2?
Thanks so much to Andrea for sharing her thoughts and experiences. (Oh, and did I forget to mention her husband also takes gorgeous photos?) I really appreciate the advice as I enter a new stage of motherhood. And if you haven't already checked out Andrea's blog, you should swing by Mama in the City to wish her a happy birthday!
I have been the mom through two newborns so far and I've definitely enjoyed the ease of baby number 2. I don't know how many times I was warned by people that the second baby was so much more of an adjustment than the first. In my experience these people were fortunatley wrong and bringing the second baby into our family went much smoother than the first. I can even say that I enjoyed the newborn stage so much more the second time around. Maybe because I really understood how fast it would tick by.
Sure there were frazzled moments where I dripped milk all over the place and held a red crying baby. Since I had already been through these kinds of baby experiences before I knew that all hard moments have a time limit and eventually pass. Now my newborn is 6 months old and I'm in the full swing of things as a mother to two.
Soon our dear Amanda will be welcoming her baby boy and Lilah will be an older sister; I've got a few tricks for her so she can stay on top of the transition of adding a new tiny family member.
Before Baby
Stock up on some basics like toilet paper and paper towels now. Having a few extras in the house will help you out immensely once that new baby boy moves in! If you have any special occasions happening in the first month you bring baby home, go and get those pressies and cards now. Stash them away and your future self will thank your tired new mama self in a big way.
If you can find the time, get your hair done. In fact, do all that personal self care while your bump is still burgeoning. Not only will you feel good, you will also look awesome in all of the photos of your birth. A win win situation for you.
Don't spend too much time getting anxious or losing sleep over preparing for the baby. Newborns do not actually need much; if you've got milk on tap you are golden. Having your partner run out for diapers is no big deal and most newborn essentials can really be found in your home. Plus there is the chance for on line shopping during those midnight feeds.
Bringing Baby Home
When we were bringing Josie home from the hospital we were able to arrange an extra day at day care for our son. For a short time it was just the new baby in our apartment and that moment felt relaxed and not rushed or stressful. We also chose to keep him in day care twice a week even though I was on maternity leave. I can't express how helpful this was for me and I'm so grateful that we were able to do this. It gave me time where I could just focus on discovering the new baby. We did our healthy baby visits during those daycare days and had friends over to meet the baby. In the early weeks it gave me a chance to actually sleep when the baby slept.
If people offer to bring you food always say yes. However, don't feel obliged to say yes to every visitor in the first weeks at home with your baby. I found by 4 weeks I was able to easily have a friend pop over without it being a huge deal.
Any family member or friend that offers to take Lilah out of the house will hold a special place in your heart. I had some really nice moments in the first few weeks at home with just the new baby because of this. My girlfriends had him over for play dates, off for swimming adventures, and even just some nearby playground fun. It felt so good to know he was having some special attention while I nursed and snuggled with the baby in my bed. It's not too early to book those playmates now.
The Maternity Nurse Advice
Now for me to put my nurses hat on! Don't rush your post partum recovery, instead relish the sweet fleeting newborn days. If there is ever a time to truly slow down and rest and recover, it is after you have a baby. Don't feel the pressure to put on your 'pre baby' jeans and head out on a bunch of errands. Allow yourself the time to lounge in soft stretchy clothing and lay in bed feeding your baby. Your body has gone through the amazing feat of growing a baby, birthing a baby and deserves a chance to recover guilt free.
If you didn't learn to breastfeed in a side laying position with your first, try to do it this time around. This position gives you the chance to rest and is more relaxing over all. For the most part, most repeat new mothers tell me that breastfeeding is much easier with each subsequent baby and I found this to be true with myself.
I'm so excited to hear about Amanda's journey of welcoming her second baby. Do you have any other tips for her on becoming a mother of 2?
Thanks so much to Andrea for sharing her thoughts and experiences. (Oh, and did I forget to mention her husband also takes gorgeous photos?) I really appreciate the advice as I enter a new stage of motherhood. And if you haven't already checked out Andrea's blog, you should swing by Mama in the City to wish her a happy birthday!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tips for New Moms
It's Monday again, and you know what that means. Monday Listicles at Stasha's place! Cookie's Mom chose today's topic, and she wanted us to share some advice with new moms. Well, I already did that on a more serious note in Letter to Myself. So, for some inspiration and a fresh take on this theme, I started looking back through Lilah's newborn photos. What I realized is we took a lot of shaky, blurry photos of Lilah with our point-and-shoot when she was brand new. Part of it was probably due to sleep deprivation, but man, our camera skills have come a long way since we got a D-SLR! The other thing I noticed is we spent a lot of time on the couch. In any case, I had fun going back through old photos and writing this list.
1. Your baby may look a little like an alien at first. Don't worry, she will go from this
to this
in the blink of an eye.
2. For the most part, I fully subscribe to the "sleep when the baby sleeps" school of thought. But sometimes you just gotta catch up on your email, you know?
See? I was addicted to the internet long before I started blogging and tweeting!
3. Never underestimate the power of matching outfits.
4. Your pet(s) will likely feel neglected when the new addition arrives. Don't forget to show them a little love from time to time.
5. Two words: milk coma. So. Awesome.
1. Your baby may look a little like an alien at first. Don't worry, she will go from this
to this
2. For the most part, I fully subscribe to the "sleep when the baby sleeps" school of thought. But sometimes you just gotta catch up on your email, you know?
See? I was addicted to the internet long before I started blogging and tweeting!
3. Never underestimate the power of matching outfits.
4. Your pet(s) will likely feel neglected when the new addition arrives. Don't forget to show them a little love from time to time.
5. Two words: milk coma. So. Awesome.
6. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for indulging your inner couch potato from time to time.
7. Practice your posing. We all know the camera adds pounds, and you don't exactly have pounds to spare shortly after giving birth. So find some sassy poses that flatter your new figure, and find your inner top model.
8. Prepare to fall in love with your baby daddy (or partner, or anyone else who helps you take care of your new babe) all over again.
9. Whenever you are in the vicinity of other newbies, take the opportunity to line them all up on a couch for a photo. Bonus points if each and every parent there is also frantically snapping photos. The more pictures, the better. Because once they are mobile, there is no way in hell you will get them all to sit in the same place at the same time.
10. All the sleepness nights and projectile poop and sore nipples and spit-up and mewling cries and blood-curdling screams (yours and the baby's) and anxiety and feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt will soon fade to a distant memory, and what you will be left with are these moments:
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